Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Thessaloniki?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Thessaloniki or Sintra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Thessaloniki or Sintra? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Thessaloniki or Sintra?
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Sintra
Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.
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Thessaloniki Prices
Greece PricesSintra Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayThessaloniki €165Sintra €146
The average daily cost (per person) in Thessaloniki is €165, while the average daily cost in Sintra is €146. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Thessaloniki and Sintra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personThessaloniki €79Sintra €57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomThessaloniki €158Sintra €114
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Sintra
Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Sintra? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Thessaloniki Hotel Prices and Sintra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Thessaloniki €13Sintra €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki
Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $25
- Thessaloniki Airport Private Transfer Service: $35
- From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $493
- Athens to/from Thessaloniki : Private Transfer: $1,006
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $269
- Transfer From Lisboa to Nazaré: $132
- Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299
- Transfer From Lisboa To Faro Algarve: $299
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $119
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $107
- Tours and Transfers: $98
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $89
- Private Transfer To & From Lisbon: $35
- Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
- Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
- Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Sintra?
Prices for flights to both Sintra and Thessaloniki change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayThessaloniki €72Sintra €73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki
For Thessaloniki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $53
- Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $69
- Guided Food Tour: $76
- Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour With A Local: $93
- Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $94
- Kavala Food Tour and Cooking Workshop: $95
- Get a Taste of Thessaloniki - Food Tour & Lunch: $103
- Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $104
- Guided Walking and Food Tour with Drinks: $117
- Thessaloniki Food Tour with a Local Chef: $129
- Cooking & Wine Tasting with Dockside Views: $141
- Cooking classes for Foodies, Discover Greek cuisine.: $158
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car: $103
- Boho Chic Picnic Dinner with Water Views: $109
- DINNER OR TAPAS in a Poruguese Home : $113
- Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience: $120
- Pastel de Nata or Portuguese Cooking Class in Sintra with Locals: $140
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Thessaloniki €26Sintra €23
Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki
For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.37
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $9.37
- Thessaloniki:Selfie Museum, a 60-minute immersive experience: $13
- Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $13
- Ticket for Frida Kahlo Beyond the Icon Immersive Experience: $18
- Cretan Olive Oil Tasting Experience: $18
- Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $19
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $19
- OTE Tower Rotating Experience with Light Meal: $21
- Byzantine Museum E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $21
- Byzantine Museum E-Ticket & Audio City Tour: $25
- Polycentric Museum & Aigai Royal Graves E-ticket with Audio Guide: $36
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- E-Bike Self Guided Tour Sintra & Cabo da Roca : $57
- 19th Century Photography Experience: $48
- 2 Hours Guided Tuk Tuk Tour in Sintra: $78
- 4 hour tour | Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca: $66
- 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $167
- Almada’s Tale: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Boat tour: charming Cascais Coast to Lisbon lighthouse: $57
- Cascais Coastal EBike Tour: $66
- Cascais Coastal Secrets 90 Minute Cruise with Free Wine and Beer: $57
- Cascais Electric Bike Tour Self-Guided Half-Day Experience: $72
- Cascais to Lisbon Sunset Cruise with Open Bar: $57
- Cascais: Glamour and Decay by The Lisbon Coastline - Private Tour: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayThessaloniki €15Sintra €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki
Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Pella-Edessa-Naousa wine tasting: $76
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $89
- Wine Tasting & Farm tour in Thessaloniki: $95
- Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $111
- Northern Greece Wine Tasting Tour in Kavala: $155
- Small Group Kavala Tour: Pangaion Mountain & Wine Tasting: $274
Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:
- Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $84
- Wine Tasting Tour: $89
- Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $90
- From Sintra, Mafra, or Ericeira: Hike and Wine Tour: $100
- Lisbon Region Wine Tour: Mafra & Ericeira + Hotel Pick-Up: $197
- PRIVATE TOUR WINE TASTING QUINTA BACALHÔA & JOSÉ MARIA FONSECA (Setubal Region): $233
- Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $316
When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Sintra, we can see that Thessaloniki is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Sintra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Sintra?
Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Sintra, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki or Sintra?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Thessaloniki or Sintra in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Sintra. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Sintra. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun.
Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in July than Sintra. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyThessaloniki 25°C (77°F)Sintra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Thessaloniki or Sintra in the Autumn?
Both Sintra and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.
Thessaloniki is cooler than Sintra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Sintra fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Sintra. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberThessaloniki 16°C (61°F)Sintra 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Thessaloniki or Sintra in the Winter?
Both Sintra and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Thessaloniki is much colder than Sintra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Sintra averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Sintra. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun.
Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Sintra. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryThessaloniki 5°C (41°F)Sintra 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Thessaloniki or Sintra in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Sintra. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Thessaloniki is generally cooler than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Sintra. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilThessaloniki 13°C (56°F)Sintra 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Sintra and Thessaloniki
| Thessaloniki | Sintra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 7°C (44°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (76°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.